And if you're looking for somewhere to eat outside the Historic area, look below for my two favorite cheap-but-fantastic Williamsburg restaurants...plus others rated "Best" by local residents.

First, a Little History...

Part of Virginia's Historic Triangle (which also includes Jamestown and Yorktown), the Historic Area is a one-of-a-kind spot. It's like they froze 18th century America (before it was America) and then thawed it out just for your visit.

And it's chock-full of history. Imagine walking down the shell-strewn streets where Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin and other heroes of the American Revolution strode from secret meetings in smoke-filled taverns and inns...and into a revolution that shook the world.

The Printmaker's Shop is one of my favorite sights at Colonial Williamsburg.

But this historic wonder almost didn't happen. While Williamsburg became the second capital of the new English colony of Virginia (after Jamestown), over the 19th century, things started to fall into disrepair.

Luckily, ol' Money Bags--John D. Rockafeller--saved the day. In 1926, he financed the restoration of the town's Colonial section, even rebuilding certain attractions--like the Governor's Palace, which had burned down--with exhaustively researched detail.

What You HAVE to See at Colonial Williamsburg ...and What to Skip

Do NOT miss the Wigmaker's Shop at Colonial Williamsburg. My favorite spot in the Historic Area, you'll flip for it!

IF you go on the official tour (scroll down to learn why buying tickets may NOT be right for you), I recommend these shops:

#1 The Wigmaker's #2 The Pewter Shop (not to be confused with the Silversmith Shop) #3 The Governor's Palace #4 The Capitol Building #5 The Printer's Shop

#1 Place to Skip - the Gunsmith's Shop - Personally, I have nothing against guns. I base my advice to skip this shop on the fact that the last two times I've visited, the same costumed interpreter "gentleman" running this shop was downright unfriendly and unhelpful (face it, if you're paying $35-$45 (depending on the time of year you visit) you should be able to ask the interpreters a few questions, right?).

Admission Facts, Plus How to Get in for Free!

Williamsburg isn't cheap, especially for a family. A lot of visitors purchase tickets ahead of time, assuming that they'll need tickets to see anything. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Cheap Williamsburg Package Deals & Other Discounts...

Normally, this is where I would be describing a 3-4 package deals combining Historic Area tickets with a hotel stay, free breakfasts, family deals, romance deals, and multi-park deals.

Just one problem: Colonial Williamsburg hasn't posted any package deals.

This is a first for me in all the years I've been updating readers on their latest deals, and it has me rather puzzled. I know that they've been having some financial troubles, so I don't know if those package deals weren't profitable, or if they'll pick up later in the summer season.

So for now, check out the DISCOUNT TICKET DEALS link above for single day ticket discounts, including how to get $10 off with your grocery store card.

For details on these and other packages,copy and paste this link in your browser:

Williamsburg Directions & Getting Around

The Historic Area is one point on the "Historic Triangle" it forms with Jamestown and Yorktown. Just a ten-mile drive along the scenic Colonial Parkway from Jamestown, it's also a 23-mile drive from Yorktown, which isn't far, depending on the traffic.

Ah yes, traffic. At the height of the summer tourist season, it can be slow (not slow by Los Angeles standards, but slow for Virginia). So why not take advantage of the free Historic Triangle Shuttle bus?

The Historic Triangle Shuttle provides service between Jamestown, Yorktown, and the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. The service is available every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m and 3:30 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. Riders can listen to an audio program describing the area’s natural and cultural history. Service is free of charge for ticket holders to any Historic Triangle attraction.

Williamsburg is located about a 25-minute drive west from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, just over one hour west of Norfolk International Airport, and about 50-60 minutes east of Richmond International Airport.

Colonial National Historical Park is just a short drive from (I-64). If you're coming from Richmond on I-64, head east and take exit 238. When you exit, look for the red, white, and blue Historic Triangle direction signs. Follow the signs to the Visitor Center (Visitor Center address: 101A Visitor Center Drive (Hwy 132Y)). If you haven't already purchased tickets, buy your admission pass there, then walk to the Historic Area or take the free shuttle.

If you're traveling from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton area, head west on I-64 and then take Exit 238. Follow the signs as I described them above.

Check out these pages for information on the other two attractions that form the Historic Triangle:

Free Visitors Guide & Online Games

There are several free visitor guides for the Historic Triangle area. They are well worth picking up at area attractions, hotels and major restaurants. They offer dining, shopping, and attraction info, as well as area maps and...coupons!

For details about these guides, which ones I recommend, and how they can help you save money, check out our "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation." You can find it by the clicking the link in "Admission Facts" above (on this page).

Colonial Williamsburg Offers Free Online Games for Kids

Who says history is boring? The site is making history fun by offering imaginative and interactive free online games for kids.

You can dress paper dolls in colonial dress, be a “Dirt Detective,” and more. There's also a "Jamestown Survivor" game offered by Jamestown Settlement. To access these free online games, to go www.history.org and click on "Kids."

Today, Jan. 20, is the last day to take advantage of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's New Year's deal, offering 30% off single or multi-day tickets to the park when it opens in March. Buy today, and you'l…

Normally, I'm a DC-to-parts-unknown kind of girl. But I wanted to save our family money on a recent trip to Florida, so I decided to give discount airline Allegiant a go (with some trepidation). Was i…